Despite limited funds and inconsistent support from the federal government, the Penang state government is committed its duties to lend assistance for the maintenance of public and private apartments.
This time around, residents in Blok 4A, 4C and 4D at Lorong Semarak Ape 1 in Bandar Baru Ayer Itam have received RM513,000 to replace their lifts.
Present to announce the much anticipated news was Penang State Exco for Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning YB Jagdeep Singh Deo.
“We are committed and will continue to assist in the maintenance of these homes and the upkeep of the facilities.
“This commitment is not only to make available affordable housing for all in Penang but also public housing schemes that are eligible to be assisted. Even this private scheme is also eligible to receive state government assistance.
“So far we have approved 32, 582 projects in the state. In Paya Terubong alone, we have approved 15 applications at a cost of RM10.4 million. Our assistance applies to all five districts in the state.
“However, applications and approval takes time and with limited resources we will endeavour to do our very best,” said Jagdeep.
Also present was the Member of Parliament for Bukit Gelugor, Ram Karpal Singh and MP for Jelutong, RSN Rayer.
Jagdeep also added that the state government has requested RM134.6 million from the federal government for the maintenance fund however, only around RM6,4 million had been received.
“We are among the top tax contributing states in the country and we deserve to be allocated the much needed funds,” said Jagdeep in calling for the Minister concerned to make good their commitment.
Jagdeep also announced a RM340,000 allocation for the replacement of water tanks at Tanjung Court at the press conference.
Ram Karpal thanked the Penang State Government for placing emphasis on the maintenance of lifts.
“Lifts are essential to the residents living here. The state government has acted swiftly to overcome these issues but due to the sheer number of projects, resolving all of them will take time and due process,” he said.
Rayer added that other than lifts, maintenance is also required for paint work and water tanks from time to time for these homes.
“We need to be patient with the limited funds we have. We appeal that one can demands for immediate action as the process takes time,” he added.